Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Light Poles During Touch-and-Go Maneuver (N55394)

Santa Rosa, CA, US

On October 4, 1991, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N55394) operated by Keehn, Timothy L. was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Rosa, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING A RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft performing touch-and-go operations landed hard, then made a low left turn at about 20 feet AGL, striking two light poles 150 yards from the runway centerline. The wreckage was extensively burned; FAA inspectors found no abnormalities.

Accident Overview

Ground witnesses at the airport observed an aircraft conducting a series of touch-and-go operations. During one landing, the aircraft touched down hard and subsequently became airborne again. Witnesses then saw the aircraft initiate a low-level left turn at an altitude of approximately 20 feet above ground level (AGL). The turn brought the aircraft into collision with two light poles situated about 150 yards from the runway centerline.

Wreckage Examination

FAA inspectors examined the extensively burned wreckage. Their inspection confirmed that the control cables were properly routed within the airframe, and the flap actuators were found in the retracted (up) position. No aircraft or system abnormalities were identified during the examination.

Investigation Details

The investigation focused on the physical evidence from the wreckage. The absence of mechanical or system issues suggests the event was not precipitated by a malfunction. The sequence of events—hard landing, airborne again, low turn, and collision—was documented solely from witness accounts and post-accident inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 1991 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Santa Rosa, CA?

An aircraft performing touch-and-go operations landed hard, then made a low left turn at about 20 feet AGL, striking two light poles 150 yards from the runway centerline. The wreckage was extensively burned; FAA inspectors found no abnormalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 1991 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N55394, operated by Keehn, Timothy L., at Santa Rosa, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING A RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18314. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.